Now you got me thinking. I am not rich, but I don't mess around when buying things especially electronics. I research everything to death and go for the best because the cheap stuff doesn't live up to my expectations. It's tough being a perfectionist.

Wow! Just got a sticker shock looking up the All Americans! I'd be in a dilemma too -- I have a similar attitude about getting well-made tools that are designed to do the job right. I'd have to commit to using it a lot. ... hey, that means I'd have to GROW more vegs and fruits! Then, there's my new gourmet mushroom hobby....

our primary household pressure cooker is a presto - it's solid and i've never had a problem with it. yes, it's got a rubber gasket, which i'd imagine would break down over time...but we've had it for years, and it's basically good as new...I'm pretty sure you'll be content with it.

...and getting it as a present (i.e. for free)...well, the price is right, too.

Yes I was talking about the All American. One thing I like about the All American is the nice way it regulates it self. Having a pressure cooker lets you can things a water bath canner will not let you can. There is nothing wrong with the Presto cooker and you can always buy new seals if some day it gives out.

I understand choices and I'd go for the chipper/shredder. I LOVE mine, even though it's a baby one that won't handle bigger branches. I do water bath canning, and anything that can be done that way, I freeze, so I don't (much!) miss the pressure canner.